Dubai English Speaking - College

DESS College's school fees 2026 sit firmly in the upper band of Dubai private school pricing, reflecting both the school's Outstanding KHDA rating and its Academic City location. According to KHDA fee data, Years 7 to 11 are priced at AED 84,325 per annum, while Years 12 and 13 (Sixth Form) are priced at AED 90,633 per annum. The average fee across all year groups is approximately AED 84,471, with the lowest fee at AED 81,082 and highest at AED 90,633 as published by KHDA. These figures place DESC in what the market would classify as the ultra-premium tier for UK-curriculum schools in Dubai - comparable in price to other Outstanding-rated British schools but, critically, without academic selection at entry. The not-for-profit model means fees are not inflated by shareholder returns; every dirham is reinvested into the school. Additional costs include a registration fee for new students, transport (provided through Busco and variable by route), uniforms, and examination fees for external qualifications. Exam fees for GCSE, IGCSE, and A Level entries are charged separately and vary by subject and awarding body. For families with multiple children across the DESS group (including DESS Oud Metha and DESS Academic City Primary), sibling discount arrangements may apply - parents should contact admissions directly for current terms. Payment is structured across three terms. The school does not publish a formal scholarship or bursary programme on its website, but as a not-for-profit institution governed by a Board of Trustees, fee assistance discussions may be possible in specific circumstances. Value for money assessment: given the school's non-selective admissions, Outstanding inspection record, 1:11 teacher ratio, 10% teacher turnover, and 2025 GCSE value-added score of +1.65, the fee level is justified. Families comparing DESC against selective-entry schools at similar price points should note that DESC delivers these results without cherry-picking high-ability intakes.